State Rep. Chris Perone Denounces New Policy On Storm Shutters
Says Policy Places Unnecessary Financial Hardship On Norwalk Residents
by Chris Perone
Aug. 29, 2006

State Representative Chris Perone (D-Norwalk) says the new underwriting guidelines that require shoreline residents to install costly storm shutters as a condition of homeowner policy renewal is unfair to homeowners who live on a fixed income, and to residents battling the high cost of energy. Rep. Perone calls on Insurance Commissioner Susan Cogswell to immediately rescind approval of these new underwriting guidelines.

The underwriting change, sought by Andover Companies, grants Andover the right to deny property/casualty insurance renewal to shoreline policyholders – defined as living within 3/4 of a mile of Long Island Sound or of portions of major rivers near the Sound – if the insureds do not have or install hurricane shutters.

"Shame on Andover, and shame on other companies petitioning to place such a financial burden on our shoreline residents, specifically those residents living in East Norwalk in close proximity to Long Island Sound," said Rep. Perone. "There needs to be a better process associated with changing homeowner insurance policies. The financial burden of installing these storm shutters places economic hardship on shoreline residents battling the high cost of energy and those living on fixed incomes. This is unfair to the residents of Connecticut."

The Office of the Attorney General is reviewing a possible antitrust investigation into issues relating to collusion and anti-competitive conduct by insurers and re-insurers that may be involved in this underwriting condition.

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